Mathematical Modeling of the Influence of RKIP on the ERK Signaling Pathway

This paper investigates the influence of the Raf Kinase In- hibitor Protein (RKIP) on the Extracellular signal Regulated Kinase (ERK) signaling pathway through mathematical modeling and simula- tion. Using nonlinear ordinary differential equations to represent bio- chemical reactions in the pathway, we suggest a technique for parameter estimation, utilizing time series data of proteins involved in the signal- ing pathway. The mathematical model allows the simulation the sensi- tivity of the ERK pathway to variations of initial RKIP and ERK-PP (phosphorylated ERK) concentrations along with time. Throughout the simulation study, we can qualitatively validate the proposed mathemati- cal model compared with experimental results.